15 Apr 2016

Liverpool continued to be linked with with a move for VFB Stuttgart winger Filip Kostic, and new reports suggest that the Reds are one of a number of top clubs considering a big-money summer transfer.

Last month, reports in German claimed that Klopp is 'interested' in signing Kostic, and according to German newspaper Bild this week:

"Filip Kostic from VfB Stuttgart has aroused the interest of several top clubs, including BVB, Wolfsburg, Schalke, and Liverpool. Kostic has €20m release clause in his contract".

Some info about Kostic, described in August by ex-manager Alexanger Zorniger as 'irreplaceable'.

* 23-year old left-winger, who can also play on the right, or as a number-10. Current contract expires: 2019. Missed less than 10 games through injury for his entire career.

* 8 goals/14 assists (22) in 58 games for Stuttgart (Goal every 508 mins. G/A every 183 mins. 6 appearances for the Serbia national team)

* Aug 2014: Stuttgart Director of Sport Fredi Bobic enthused: "Kostic is a technically capable player and prolific player with an eye for goal and the potential to develop further".

* Mar 2016: Bild claimed that Kostic is Klopp's top transfer target for the summer.

* Most accurate crosser of the ball in the Bundesliga over the last two seasons. Also in the top 10 for chance-creation.

* Often described as the 'new Gareth Bale' due to his blistering pace.

Perhaps it's just me, but I fail to see one goal every 503 minutes is an 'irreplaceable' creative return.

Kostic may be an accurate crosser but that is secondary to actual end product, and he's certainly not 'prolific' by any stretch of the imagination.

Additionally, €20m is a ridiculous fee for a player with such average stats, especially when there are more prolific players available for the same price (i.e. Yarmolenko, who also has a €20m buyout clause)